Sony PSP successor to be exibited at E3 09?

Following a stream of long winded gossip, assumptions and denials, even more evidence has surfaced suggesting that Sony is developing a successor to the PSP. This time, creator of Earthworm Jim and industry veteran David Perry has Twittered a confirmation of the device’s existence as well as the lack of a UMD drive.

While there has been much speculation surrounding the name, it is more likely to be labeled the PSP Slide, PSP Flip or PSP Go! than the rumored PSP 2 or PSP-4000, according to unnamed sources quoted by 1UP. As clever as they all sound, being that Sony has introduced the Go! brand of add-ons for the European PSP, the "PSP Go!" seems to be the most fitting candidate.

Since the UMD optical disc drive has been ousted, Sony has opted to offer over 100 classic and new PSP titles for digital download at launch via the PlayStation Store. It is believed to feature a smartphone-esque sliding touch-sensitive display that will cover the buttons which will consist of a traditional d-pad, an analog nub and action buttons (as pictured in the mockup above). The latest PSP rendition is to be exhibited at E3 09 with the hope of seeing a release before Christmas.